Support for family and friends

Support organisations

Below is a list of organisations that provide support for family and friends.

Carers Support West Sussex: Families and Friends Network

The Families and Friends Network supports people who are affected by someone else's drinking. All services are confidential, and you can receive free information, advice and support. The network offers:

• information about alcohol
• local drop-in services and support groups
• individual appointments, at a time and place that suit you
• a quarterly newsletter.

For more information, please visit the Carers Support West Sussex website. Telephone: 0300 028 8888.

In support of Alcohol Awareness Week (15-21 November 2021) Carers Support West Sussex will be running some workshops, including a Question and Answer session with a carer and a breathing session. For more information and to book onto a workshop, visit the Carers Support West Sussex website. 

Sussex Al-Anon

Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not. To find a meeting near you, visit the Al-Anon website. Helpline: 0800 0086 811.

Adfam

Adfam is the national charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs and alcohol. The website has lots of information for those affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use, as well as details of local support groups.

National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa)

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) is a registered charity founded in 1990 to address the needs of children growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism or a similar addictive problem. This includes children of all ages, many of whose problems only become apparent in adulthood.

If you would like to talk to someone, please call the Nacoa free, confidential helpline 0800 358 3456, email or write to Nacoa, PO Box 64, Bristol, BS16 2UH.

Helpline opening hours:

• Friday, Saturday and Monday 12 noon to 7pm
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12 noon to 9pm

Calls to the helpline are free, and will not show up on landline phone bills. Calls from many mobile providers are also free but if your provider charges and you have inclusive minutes you can dial 0117 924 3675 but please be aware this may show up on your bill.

Nacoa lines can be busy but please keep trying and you will get through. Nacoa also have an answerphone.

Visit the Nacoa website for more information.